#52: New looks and hard negotiations

Hello dreamers,

You know what we all really need? Cartoons. And you know the best place to get them? The New Yorker. No, wait, it’s here, right?

This week we have a tale of a new look for an election year, and an exercise in negotiation.

Keeping the pace,
Chris

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Caption: “Would Madam prefer annoyed, angry or bewildered this election year?”

What would you choose?

This year in the United States is an election that has left everyone feeling exhausted before the campaigning really began. So, you know, like every election.

Which look is right for you?

A little artist’s note: I’ve had this one in my back pocket for a while. I tried to sell it at the start of the year, as kind of a new year, new you thing, but that didn’t go through, sadly. So, instead, I reworked it a little to make it more election focused, with a set of looks I think we can all relate to.

Visually, I wanted to keep it as simple as possible, but I also wanted the faces to get the most attention. The intended solution was then to put the faces first, followed by the subject, the salesman, and then the buyer. I also had to make sure that the face, particularly the noses, on the shelves all matched the ones on the buyer’s face. And, as someone who doesn’t exactly excel at drawing the same face twice, I needed to find whatever discipline I could muster.

I’m pretty happy with the result, though.

Caption: “So I've put on one shoe. If I manage to put on the other, can we call it a run?”

Exercise. It’s in the eye of the beholder.

Because, for some people that exercise is a run around the park. For others, it’s just getting that second shoe on. The middle point? Well, I think you’re looking at it.

Is this part of your exercise regime?

A little artist’s note: I actually drew this one way back in October/November 2023 but, after failing to sell it (a common theme in cartooning), I decided it deserved it’s own grand unveiling.

Visually, this is also a cartoon that I think I made on a Sunday or Monday. The reason I say that is because I tend to be low on time on those days, and so I choose ideas which I think will need the least amount of detail.

It’s a simple, elegant, little gag.

Thanks for reading MiddleSquiggle!

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